Crisis Resources

If you're in distress, reaching out is a sign of strength, not a failure.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you're with someone who is in immediate danger, stay with them if it's safe to do so and call 911.

24/7 crisis lines (Canada-wide)

988 – Suicide Crisis Helpline Call or text 988, anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, every day. Free, confidential, available in English and French. 988.ca

Gerstein Crisis Centre (Toronto and surrounding GTA) 416-929-5200 – 24-hour phone line and mobile crisis team for adults experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis.

Talk Suicide Canada Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4pm–midnight ET) For support around suicidal thoughts or supporting someone else.

Toronto Distress Centres (Distress Centres of Greater Toronto) 416-408-4357 (416-408-HELP) – 24-hour phone support for emotional distress, crisis, and suicide risk.

Other ways to reach out

  • Kids Help Phone (ages 5–29): call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868, 24/7

  • Trans Lifeline (for trans and questioning callers, peer support): 1-877-330-6366

  • LGBT YouthLine (2SLGBTQ+ youth, 29 and under, Ontario-wide): text 647-694-4275, chat at youthline.ca, Sun–Fri 4pm–9:30pm ET. Peer support, not a crisis line. Pair with 988 or the Toronto Distress Centres line above if there's risk to safety.

  • Ontario 211: call 211 or visit 211ontario.ca for local mental health, housing, and addiction services

  • ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 – free, confidential info on mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services across Ontario

Additional resources

For a comprehensive list of crisis resources in Ontario, visit the CAMH website at https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources